I love avocados, sometimes (read: daily) stand on my head to get my creative juices flowing, and I could listen to The Beatles sing, “I’ve Just Seen A Face” everyday, for the rest of forever.

Wondering what goes on here? Yup, so are the rest of us.

1. I am a lifestyle photographer. I have the most remarkable clients in the world, and I share their images here to inspire us all to live life with greater love, meaning and joy.

2. I am a writer. This blog is full of many of the curious thinks I have thunk.

3. I am a speaker and life/business consultant. I post upcoming speaking engagements and consulting information here as well.

4. I am most fulfilled by my work as a wife and mother to my 4 sons, one of whom now lives in Heaven. I share bits and pieces of our journey here on this blog. Including our ongoing struggle with grief, our experiences with ADHD and SPD, and our solid faith in a God much bigger than the challenges we face.

But ultimately, I hope that this blog is about something much bigger than all of that.My dream is for this blog to be a place where real life comes to be celebrated and enthusiastically embraced. Not just the pretty stuff, with tailored hems, clean lines,and the new colors for spring . . . but everything else, too. The frazzled mornings, broken hearts, crazy dreams, messy kitchens. . . even the fear, failure, hopelessness and devastation. I want this blog to be a place for every bit of what makes us all living, breathing, feeling human beings, experiencing together this remarkable thing called life.

May this be a place of passion, purpose, laughter, tears, friendship, encouragement and inspiration for us all.

In 2010, our perfect *”Baby Gavin” returned to Heaven after losing a courageous battle with **Pertussis (whooping cough). We are eternally and profoundly grateful to the thousands upon thousands (upon thousands) of friends and strangers from all over the world, of all faiths and creeds, who united with our family in prayer during Baby Gavin’s horrific illness and who grieved with us and continued to petition God in our behalf during the dark days following his tragic death. You may read Gavin’s story as it unfolded by visiting my old blog here. I am committed to sharing my ongoing struggles with grief and our journey toward joy here on the new blog. I am always humbled and amazed by the continued outpouring of love and support. Thank you for sharing in our journey and inspiring us with your unceasing love! God is good!

*My brother Gavin passed away unexpectedly in 2007. With all these Angel Gavins, it can get a little confusing at times, so just know that when I refer to “Gavin” I’m referring to my wonderful brother. When I refer to “Baby Gavin,” it is in reference to my perfect son, both of whom I cannot wait to see in Heaven!

**You will periodically see me blog about The Sounds of Pertussis campaign. I am an unpaid spokesperson and am only compensated travel expenses where applicable for my involvement with this important cause. Join our fight against this deadly communicable disease at www.soundsofpertussis.com or like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/soundsofpertussis.

I know. Seriously, right?! Who posts these kinds of images of themselves?

This is me, last year, running the Gunstock Half Marathon. It’s amazing to think that my journey toward running began almost exactly one year ago as I trained for this very race. “Life changing” seems trite. Running has revolutionized my entire existence. And no, that’s no exaggeration. It’s something I NEVER thought I could EVER do. NO CHANCE in H-E-double-hockey-sticks. And yet. . . I did it. I did. And I haven’t stopped since.

It was really hard, but running taught me that I can in fact do things that are really hard, and they pay off. Ten fold (times a million).

Now, it’s difficult to imagine the pre running me. How did I combat stress? How did I manage anxiety? Nobody knows. The best answer would probably be, “not very well.”

I’ve been meaning to write a post on HOW exactly I went from couch to Gunstock, because it’s probably one of the very most frequently asked questions I get from readers. I was not a runner. At all. And now, I am, completely. And it’s nothing short of a miracle. If y’all are still interested in hearing my system, because you can count on the fact that survival dictated I develop one, let me know. I’d LOVE to write that up for you! I’m passionate about helping others see that they can truly RUN, because heck, if I can do it, ANYONE CAN. Any.one.on.Earth. For real.

The Gunstock Half Marathon and 5k is just around the corner (Oct. 15)! Register online, here. NOTHING you’ve experienced can prepare you for how good you’ll feel when you cross that finish line. (Even if you finish third from last, like me.) xx, N

Heather Capener:
Natty, I want to know your system! My running/exercise had dwindled and disappeared since nursing school started and then pregnancy and I haven't been able to get back on the horse. I need some motivation/inspiration! September 13, 2011 6:42 pm

Kelly:
I seriously NEED to know how to do this. For health, for stress, for me. September 13, 2011 6:45 pm

Aussie Sarah:
Please,please do share your journey. I have started mine and am up to running six kms but t is still so hard! I would love to hear how you did it! September 13, 2011 6:54 pm

Stephanie J:
So awesome! I am training for my first half marathon(Oct.22) and would love any advice:) It is a goal i have always wanted to accomplish! September 13, 2011 6:58 pm

Chelsea:
Hi Natalie! I've been following your blog for s couple months and nothing inspires me like you do. So, PLEASE share your system since I am in desperate need of some motivation as I have just given birth and have set the goal of running a 5K on Thanksgiving day. Thanks!! September 13, 2011 7:05 pm

Carissa:
I'd love to hear it! as someone who is not into running but wants to be, I need all the help I can get! September 13, 2011 7:16 pm

stephanie joy:
NATALIE. I love you with all my heart for posting this priceless photo of yourself on your widely read blog.
That is all.
I love you.
Ok, off to actually read the blog post now... I just honestly couldn't NOT comment on that photo. HAHAHAHAHA! Love it so much. OkBYE. September 13, 2011 8:21 pm

Bridget:
Wow! That is quite the photo. I think I could use a good run right now. September 13, 2011 9:24 pm

Dan K:
Please let me know how you did it, I have had several failed attempts where I run once and say 'Never again' I am not built for running! x September 13, 2011 10:01 pm

Paul Jones:
As someone who lost 80lbs and started running 3 years ago, I'm with you - how on *earth* did I manage without it? Now I grab four or five 5k lunch time runs in weekly, and it's the only way I don't go postal in the office mid afternoon! Next up, Tough Mudder in VT! September 14, 2011 12:05 am

Amber:
I would love to know how you did it, I was just googling couch to half marathon!! September 14, 2011 1:55 am

Kari:
I would love to know how! I have started doing some 5k's and would love to decrease my time/increase my distance.
No better way to learn than from you! September 14, 2011 3:30 am

Melody:
Third from last is still finishing which is sort of huge. Definitely write about how you've done it because I would love to be a runner too but you know, I hate running. September 14, 2011 4:04 am

natalie:
I would be SHOCKED Melody, If your hatred for running exceeded mine. Seriously. September 14, 2011 4:22 am

natalie:
Paul! I LOVE this! Awesome! I looked into doing the Tough Mudder! I don't remember what the conflict was, but I wasn't able to. You'll have to let me know how it goes! And seriously, congratulations to you. 80lbs is something to be proud of. . . but I bet the best part is just how good it feels to be so active, right?! September 14, 2011 4:24 am

natalie:
Dan, I was the QUEEN of thinking I wasn't built for it. Seriously. I was shocked when it actually started to become FUN and EASY! It was remarkable. September 14, 2011 4:25 am

Shelly:
So, the consensus is, you need to write a blog post with the methods to your madness. Thanks! September 14, 2011 4:27 am

natalie:
PEOPLE! I'm seriously so excited to write this post! But here's the thing, I do NOT claim to be an expert on anything other than becoming a runner. Does that make sense? I'm not an expert on RUNNING itself. . . just getting someone who thinks there's no way in heck they CAN run, to get off the couch and prove themselves wrong. Got it? I've said my piece, amen. September 14, 2011 4:28 am

marie rose:
That pictures make me love you all the more. that picture is awesome. I know EXACTLY how you feel. I think I have a similar picture at the end of my very 1st marathon. You are awesome Natalie! September 14, 2011 5:31 am

Amanda:
I hate running. It's the most miserable thing in the world, but I know that it's a necessary habit for good health. Let's hear your system. September 14, 2011 5:39 am

Mickisha:
Share the love! I need some stress reduction and definitely would not consider myself a runner. So share the secrets please! September 14, 2011 5:47 am

Liz Rotz:
I ran two races a few years ago when my husband and I lived in Chicago. He finished light years ahead of me, BUT I finished. Good thing that was my only goal! Regardless I would LOVE to get back to running and doing it better, so I would love to hear your program and how you did it! September 14, 2011 6:12 am

Kendall:
YESSS PLEASE!!! I'd love to hear how you got motivated and stayed motivated with running!! My anxiety (post-second babe) has been off the charts and I need to find a great (natural) way to help tame that wild anxiety beast!! Would LOVE to hear how-you-got-started-with-running story!! September 14, 2011 7:28 am

Jenn a:
I'd love to hear how you keep running! I always seem to get in a groove and then something knocks me out and it gets harder and harder each time to get back at it. September 14, 2011 10:47 am

crystal:
I sure do need to know how to start too! I don't handle stresses of life good lately, and their is a lot, and I take it out on the wrong people. ;-( I need to take it out on the road! WRITE already! ;-) September 14, 2011 1:08 pm

Bethany Aleshire:
I'd absolutely L.O.V.E. If you wrote up your system!!! Last school year my teacher gave us the Colorado police fitness assessment and we had to run one mile. I almost died! Even though I was just 2 points shy of being a Colorado police officer :) I have been thinking of taking up something to get into shape...running would be perfect (inexpensive and wears out my dog :D). Thanks Natalie for being so helpful and caring...and transparent!!! September 14, 2011 1:11 pm

kelli eudis:
I'm totally interested in hearing your system! I just signed up for the ragnar next summer and I have never been a runner either...athletic, but running has never been my thing! Any advice would be awesome! I'm terrified for it. September 14, 2011 1:14 pm

Jessica:
I would LOVE to know how you became a runner! I used to run in high school and college, but I've since had four pregnancies and haven't been able to get past the 'I want to die this is so miserable' part. Please share. September 14, 2011 4:52 pm

amy:
Please share! I'm debating running a half early next year and could use ANY tips! September 15, 2011 3:58 am

Lara:
I'm so excited for you and praying for you as you train! I love you Nat! September 15, 2011 4:51 am

Heather Cole:
Nat - I would LOVE to hear how you ran this. My husband is in LOVE with racing and I SOOO want to do it but I'm NOT A RUNNER!! AT ALL. I feel like, if you weren't and you are now...perhaps there is hope? September 15, 2011 9:46 am

Kim:
I think it's clear! We NEED to know! I've started training to run I can't tell you how many times. Ran (with a little walking) my first 5K last fall and haven't done a decent job in continuing. I never felt like more than just a beginner. Tell us you secrets! September 15, 2011 3:57 pm

Amie W:
Write it up! I need the miracle. I've come so far, yet managing the stress of life eludes me way more often that it doesn't these days!
I LOVE YOUR GUTS! September 15, 2011 5:06 pm

Heather Ashby:
Oh!! I am dying to know bc I am totally the same. I cannot imagine becoming a runner. But I wish I could run bc really I think it's the only thing that will whip me into shape. September 15, 2011 7:43 pm

Cicily:
I would love to know how you did it. I am not a runner and I've convinced myself I never will be. What can you tell me :) September 16, 2011 7:39 am

Krystal:
I'd LOVE to know how you did i too! September 17, 2011 6:43 am

Paul Jones:
@Natalie - I've ran a slew of 5k adventure races this year and last, but nothing like TM - it's next May, I need to get another 20lbs. Biggest reason to lose weight though - I can keep up with my son now. Thats worth every mile, every over training injury, every funny look as I left my office for a run and got funny looks ("Look at the fat man run!").
So worth it. September 19, 2011 3:13 pm